Misconceptions

Whenever you speak about personal mental health issues or your past trauma, people seem to feel the need to say something to relate to it. I notice that a lot in my life; Whenever I am comfortable with a person to talk about my trauma and damage that has affected my way of thinking or even simple daily tasks. The thing that I need people to understand is that I am not spilling my heart out to find someone that relates to me or to be understood. I am asking for a shoulder to cry on. I am asking for an ear that will listen to me. You see, no one can truly understand the pain I deal with because you are not me. This is my personal battle and I do not wish upon anyone to feel how I feel. So if you ever have someone in your life that deals with mental issues, trauma from their past.. Just listen. Be there for them. Don’t try and relate or make them feel understood.. Let them cry on your shoulder; Let them know they are not alone. All it takes is for them to feel like they have someone by their side. You cannot fix or save someone from these lifelong issues by relating or trying to understand them. That is their own battle, and not for you to involve yourself. I believe that is why it is hard for me, or certain people that deal with trauma or mental illnesses to open up. We do not mean to add pressure to the people we are comfortable with – all we need is to not feel alone.